Fantasy Howl's Flying Castle (Finished! ---Whoo! (*＾▽＾)／)

[Roleplay Skittle]

Something definitely wasn't right and Lydia backed away from the dragon she had been trying to talk to and pressing her back up against James, "J-James... s-something's not right..." she spoke in a normal tone but her voice trembled and it was at that moment that Mizustune quickly moved to swipe Johnny only to be met by Isanami's sword.

At the sudden aggression on the part of Mizustune, Lydia quickly drew Algiz on her hand and focused her manna into it, causing it to glow as she grabbed James and pulled him down with her when another dragon attacked them both, holding her hand above their heads to keep the shield over them, bracing herself against the impact and putting all of her concentration into keeping the shield whole.

"J-James!" she cried in a panic, hoping to call him back from his bees.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

The dragon that picked the girls up will feel someone grabbing it's teeth and spreading it's jaws wide open like no one's business. Echo's green eyes squinted into a glare as she held it's mouth open; her hooves on the bottom row of teeth and hands gripping onto the sides of the upper row of teeth tightly, so tight that the dragon would feel like she will break them. Serena shook from her spot on the tongue, pale in the face as she never wanted to be eaten in the first place.

"Serena, jump off now." was Echo's calm demand which the blonde did; she played 'Springen' as she jumped off, bouncing on the ground and landing like a pro.

Once the violinist was safe on the ground, the angry fawn pushed the jaw up for a moment so she can get out, jumped on the bouncy floor and with a yell, kicked the dragon's nose with her hooves. She landed again and followed where the dragon she hit landed, looking very much like a bull on a rampage. "Now you've pissed me off..." Echo said as she picked the dragon up with her strength, spun around for a moment to toss him away into the other dragons that are coming their way.

Serena didn't know what to do but she used 'Springen' everywhere that way, Echo can jump as high as she needs to; In case the dragons came down fly at them.

*********************************************

Renee imagined her wings getting bigger to fly up when the floor tilted; Chenglei just balanced himself when it did. However he wasn't expecting Kenren to appear...and that annoyed him. He wasn't stupid. Ymir works with illusions and Chenglei knew what's a lie and what's truth. However the words did hit hard...It hurt a lot.

The Pendragon teen flew over to where Seifer is and pulls him out of the wall before glaring at Valdanr. Light works against him it seems. So as soon she's sure that Seifer is safe and away from the wall, Renee aimed her arrow again, this time using her sun burst to light up the room and get more space and get rid of the Kenren illusion.

Chenglei drew his blade at the fake Prince, glaring at him as he aimed his strike; his blade releasing wind sickles to cut the faker!

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Zer0]

- Seifer's Soul -​

Nope, Seifer was swallowed into the wall, but not before Renee's sun burst shattered the darkness entirely. And there he was, Valdanr, a shapeless evil , an abomination made of all things vile, malicious, and cruel, just like the heart of his master. For the first time, Seifer was angry. It was all his fault, all his fault. It wasn't for him, Renee wouldn't be in danger, Sirius wouldn't have felt so scared last night, and he wouldn't have to leave his mother all worried and alone. He raged for the first time, and before he was swallowed by the wall completely, shot an arrow that disfigured the flaming, black heart of the beast.

It gave off a piercing screech. "You will never be rid of me! I am one with his soul!" he spoke, the heads of their friends, loved ones, speaking terribly as one. "Kill me and he dies too! Kill me and you will never see your parents and your prince's smiles again! I WILL RIP OF THEIR HEADS AND YOU WILL SEE THEIR DEAD EYES STARING AT YOU!" the abomination lunged like a tide.

Katsuya

OOC | Characters | Moments in Time
​

 

[Katsuya]

As she aimed her light arrow, Renee mumbled her spell. "From Light to dark, we'll clear the way. Ravage our enemies, Eta Carinae!" A large ball of different colored lights suddenly formed on the tip of the arrow and was released to the large tidal wave of darkness, watching it disperse Valdanr to pieces.

Chenglei ducked behind her after his wind sickles sliced the scene in front of him, watching with wide eyes of the huge attack to the dragon's soul.

Renee sighed and said to the vanishing darkness, feeling only pity to the creature. "You are very sad to believe that I will bow to your tricks, you fat lizard." Her tone disapproving and she could only feel sadness for the creature who had to fight back with empty threats.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seifer's Soul -
" Victory! "​

The darkness in the mansion crumbled, turning back to normal, and for the first time, Renee didn't feel like they were being watched. Wherever Valdanr fled to, weakened and defeated, he was putting much effort to hiding his presence. Seifer wasn't there in the hallway, but following the red string, they would find him back in his room in the deepest part of his soul, resting. He was out cold and seemed so tired he couldn't wake up. Renee's treasure box was safe, and for the first time, the archer didn't look so heavily burdened.

Katsuya

- Jade Palace -
" Awashima "​

"NOOO!" cried Johnny in a terrible anguished voice when he saw Echo being snapped up; Sorbet caught him, Isanami and Izanagi just as Bahamut transformed in mid-air into a great black dragon very much like Valdanr, except he didn't have steel armor melded into his flesh.

"MIZUTSUNE!" roared Bahamut, staring at the oriental dragon in shock, wings flapping a storm, but it wasn't for long because then a great fluffy dragon came roaring from the ground and tackled him mid-air; they were thrashing, falling from the sky, slashing and biting. "STOP!" roared Bahamut, flinging Johnny down to the palace with a mighty crash that shook the ground. "WHAT IS WRONG WITH ALL OF Y ---?!"

SLAM

A great flying dragon suddenly came spinning out of the corner of Bahamut's eye like a flung rope and crashed into him and the long dragons that had just arrived. It was all chaos; Sorbet the frost golem was freezing everyone and random debris were bouncing everywhere.

"Echo!" rumbled Johnny seeing her okay and looking pissed, he felt relieved. Wait. Her pose, did she just throw that huge dragon that was almost as big as half the master warship?

Meanwhile James snapped out of it. "Ursa Choutte Venire!"

Poof, Pond appeared in a puff of cloud and with a stomp and a whoosh, sent a powerful gust of air, pushing away the dragon claw. Quickly, she picked up Lydia and James as he multicast protective charms at everyone, shooting jets of light from his wand like fireworks. "Lydia, stun them all!" he said, bracing for impact as he saw another giant claw as large as a roof come down on them; Pond's arm shot up and a swirling gust like a tornado erupted all around them, pushing everyone far, far away; the dragon roared, too big and too heavy to be blown by the wind. Its maw opened, and the bright glow of incinerating flames erupted down on them from above.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

 

[Katsuya]

Renee sighed again as the feeling of being watched went away for the first time, her wings fluttered and flapped happily. As she locked the door to her soul room, just in case Valdanr tries to go in there and wreck havoc, the Pendragon teen followed the red string with Chenglei following behind her. Then when she opened and locked the hallway that lead to Seifer's room, Renee knocked on the door to the deepest part of his soul before peeking in and smiled warmly.

"Looks like he's sleeping, the poor dear." Renee whispered to Chenglei who's looking over her head and he grinned a bit.

"Yes..."Chenglei's grin turned into a frown when he thought of something and Renee poked his side, making him flinch. She looked at him with a 'I know what you are thinking so stop that now before the dragon takes advantage of that too' then she walked inside the room. The blonde closed and locked the door behind him and stood there while Renee sat on the bed; she started to make braids on his hair like usual whenever she waited for him to wake up.

"Hey Chenglei..." Renee started. The blonde soldier looked over at her, questioning as she looked at him. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess and thank you..." She looked back at her sleeping boyfriend. Chenglei was confused.

"For what?"

"For looking out for everyone. I really do appreciate it...It makes me happy th-that I have another older brother who's looking out for me and Seifer too." Renee smiled warmly though her sunset orange eyes were revealing her sincere apologies and regrets to the blonde soldier.

"I wish that we can take Valdanr's memory or time travel back so he wouldn't know Kenren's plans but...thank you for caring about me and Seifer and Echo and..." The Pendragon teen looked like she wanted to cry as she told Chenglei about regretting her choices, but she was so glad and relieved that she has people she can depend on so much.

Unlike before when she thought that she had to rely only on herself.

"I promise to explain everything to Kenren as well...It's my fault that I drag you and him into this mess. I should take the blame for having his plan shown to the enemy."

Chenglei stayed silent as he watched Renee play around Seifer's hair while he slept; They talked quietly and Renee was surprised about what she learned of Chenglei and Kenren.

"Oh...that makes a lot of sense now that I think about it..." Renee smiled warmly at Chenglei who looked...nervous. "Don't worry. It's not my business to say anything about you two. Your secret is safe with me." The blonde oriental smiled gratefully and they talked and talked quietly until Seifer woke up when he was ready and well rested.

Zer0

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Lydia was grateful when James came to and released her shield once they were both in Pond's arms. It didn't seem that Pond's tornado was doing any good against the gigantic dragons and she hadn't used her stun spell in so long she had no way of actually using it to stun everyone so instead she decided to blind them, at least it could cause some confusion so before they were struck by claw and fire she rapidly but clearly spoke, "To elude our enemies, sweep this dust up in a gale. Cast them into darkness, leave them blind, Shadow Veil!" It was helpful that Pond already had cast a tornado, the dust was already swept up making it easier for her spell to spread quickly.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Zer0]

- Jade Palace -
" Awashima "​

ROOAAAR

Flames like a blazing furnace flooded down on Lydia, James, and Pond. Even with his flamme garde spell, they felt the sweltering heat like an oven burning the edges of their clothes as James hugged all but Lydia's casting arm. The owl bear hunched to protect them, running out of the bout of tornado flames, her tail feathers and back on fire. They survived!

The dust blinded all that Lydia deemed enemies and it was pandemonium. The dragons thrashed and writhed, bellowing flames and frost everywhere, melting stone, smoke billowing from buildings, crashing into each other and slipping in the ice; Pond was swatted around like a big feathery crash dummy, but James spell held as she and they were sent rolling and tumbling through the sea of legs, tail, claw, and roaring maw. The owl bear and James were so dizzy when finally they crashed upside down somewhere, their world spinning.

Clink, Clink!

Arrows struck his barrier uselessly as Kenren's soldiers' surrounded them. James was still disoriented, but there was Echo to the rescue. Stumbling out of Pond's arms like a drunk, and holding on to Lydia's shoulder, James mumbled the words of his summoning, and maybe it was because of that, or perhaps it was because he wasn't at peace from the whole near death experience, but something else came out and it wasn't Frey, nor Sparks.

In a burst of flames, a blue-skinned man with eyes of flame, fiery hair, and no bottom except for a whirl of fire appeared. His arms were crossed and he was imposing, looking down at his surroundings with meager interest. He looked down at James. "This little whelp summoned me?" he said incredulously.

"Lydia, did you level up? So beautiful." said James, still swirly eyed. He was probably suffering from some sort of concussion, there was a little blood trickling from his ear.

Meanwhile, the fluffy dragon rose as the palace guards attacked it with their arcane mechanical weapons. Lightning arched from their hands, electrocuting Johnny who retaliated with a breath of frost that froze the hallways; in the distance Serena was suddenly swatted by a stray claw from one of the blind thrashing dragons and sent crashing into something.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

 

[Katsuya]

Echo stomped on the ground when Kenren's men attacked James and Lydia while they were down, watching thick vines come sprouting out from the ground and holding them down so they can stop. Then she grabbed one or two dragons to smash against each other. Maybe she did more of that as she didn't really count at the moment. The fawn was just really annoyed that one of the dragons dared eat her up like Deathknight Greed...

Yea that trauma didn't pass yet. It's still fresh in her mind...

Serena groaned after being hit by someone's claw, sitting up straight from the rubble around her; the walls she crashed in looked like jello thanks to her 'Springen' spell softening the blow with concrete. The blonde looked up to see the dragons being distracted by Echo smashing them together, so Serena took this chance to summon her fireflies and burn the dragons.She did feel bad for doing this but...she can't take that risk in this sort of fight.

Her swarm of fireflies burned the dragons as she flew around them and scorching their scales.

Zer0

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

It was like a really dry sauna and Lydia gasped for breath as the heat engulfed them, balling up slightly in Pond's arms which was probably a good thing because shortly Pond was flung like a ragdoll because of all the chaos her spell had caused. She'd have to apologize for that later, but for the moment she clung to Pond as tightly as she could because she decided it would be more harmful to let go and fly off like a ragdoll by herself. Holding her head down and scrunching up as tightly as she could, she felt a little bit of vertigo as she opened her eyes and tried to regain her bearings.

Lydia quickly clambered away from Pond, shaking her head slightly to try and ease the off-balance feeling and flinching as Kenren's soldier's arrows struck the shield James had cast, glancing to James a moment as he grabbed her shoulder before she closed her eyes and started her cast Sagittarius A which easily enough caused all the dragons to stick in place and soon they were all out and it would seem that only the current guardians were still standing.

Her position had shifted so she could better support James as her green eyes widened at the appearance of the new summon and she looked to James in surprise, now noticing the blood trickling from his ear as he said his relatively out of place words. She couldn't even laugh and be embarrassed, all she felt was anger at seeing him hurt like that and she turned her attention on the nearest guardian, "I know you don't know what you're doing... but that doesn't matter."

With that said, she held out her hand and cast Fireball, hurling it at the nearest guardian.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Zer0]

- Jade Palace -
" Awashima "​

By the time James vision stopped spinning, all their opponents had been defeated or were still being subdued. "Lydia, I'm alright, thank you. Please don't snuff anyone." he shook his head still trying to clear his head. He looked her over to see if she was injured, and was relieved to find her grumpy, but alright, and patted her shoulder.

Lydia's blinding spell had been so effective in keeping them alive, and what with Echo's strength, they were slowly getting the situation under control. Soda, Johnny's water elemental was helping Serena put out fires and sloshing clumps of guards and soldiers with a tidal wave of water from the palace pools and wells before Sorbet froze them in place; the knocked out dragons and those who were still struggling were left to Echo.

Izanagi, Isanami, and the rest of the guardians who didn't go bonkers helped subdue Bahamut who was bewildered and wondering what was going on and saying he had nothing to do with it. They brought order back to the palace too, and helped with the others who were still very determined to murder Lydia, Echo, James, Serena, Johnny and --- where was Kenren?

A fiery blue finger poked James in the head. "Boy, I'm talking to you." said a deep voice. He looked up to see what couldn't possibly be real.

"Ifrit?" said James, bewildered.

"Mm. That is my name. What are your three wishes?"

"Hold on, I can't do this right now. Will you wait for a bit?"

The genie raised a fiery eyebrow. "Very well."

James went back to looking through the eyes of his bees, and soon enough he found what he was looking for. "Seifer. Found him, he's on the floor, unconscious, no injuries, still breathing. He's on that tower Johnny last saw him in, fifth floor, eighth room from the south hall."

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

After her fireball had been launched, she was preparing to cast another spell if not for James speaking up and reassuring her that he was fine. Her cheeks flushed and she took on a somewhat sheepish expression as he requested she not 'snuff anyone' and smiled bashfully as she drew her kerchief from one of the hidden pockets in her dress, using it to wipe the blood from the side of James' face, "if you're sure you're alright..."

Watching what was going on with Bahamut after everything with the guardians, other dragons, soldiers, and guards was taken care of - Lydia slowly shook her head and mumbled, "this isn't right..." after making sure that James was stable on his own, she went over to Izanagi and Isanami and tried to assuage the situation, "B-Bahamut didn't seem like he knew what was going on... he was attacked like the rest of us..." she couldn't believe what she was saying and gave Bahamut a wary glance, while she was unsure if he had a hand in this, she didn't think he truly did because of how he had yelled in confusion at Mizutsune when she attacked Johnny.

She glanced back over at James as he got that typical look he got when he wasn't actually fully there because he was viewing something else somewhere else and smiled slightly, the smile growing awkward when she looked at Ifrit because he was being made to wait before her gaze went back to James and she nodded as he declared that he had found Seifer before she looked back to Izanagi and Isanami, "see? It wasn't him... Seifer can command people to do things because he was in the process of being made a Death Knight. He has done it before," she remembered the time that she and James had rushed to the atelier and been stopped in their tracks, or when Sasha was found in the mouse hole and couldn't remember what happened. Lydia bit her lower lip slightly, "he can also make them forget that he even commanded them in the first place.

Now they learned that not only could he command through voice, but somehow he had commanded through the fireworks and that made her curious and her brow furrowed as she thought, her arms folding and the index finger of one of her hands curling over her lips as she thought deeply about the possibility of Valdanr being able to visually command people as well because that would present a whole new set of problems.

She shook her head, putting the thoughts aside for the time being because there were more important things to tend to. She wasn't sure if they should approach Seifer at all, but with James watching him they could probably safely retrieve their earplugs from their rooms and so that's what she suggested they do before they attempt to secure Seifer.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

After handling some stragglers, Echo listened in to what Lydia is saying and nodded in agreement. "From what Renee and Johnny told me, it seems that Seifer sleeps after having his soul back to place...." Talking about weird habits and whatnot, the fawn was looking for Kenren as it was his men that attacked and yet he's missing.

"James. JAMES! Look for Kenren! Now!" Echo yelled in a panic; her ears perked up high as she walked around the area to look for the prince. If anybody questioned her, the red head's answer was: "None of us heard Kenren say anything to his men attacking, almost like he didn't care. He only cared about us leaving here. We have to find him." If what she believe is true, then they are going to have a lot of issues if they don't catch him now.

Serena volunteered to secure Seifer since she does have a frost spell; She can freeze his mouth just in case or just play a really high pitched sound to muffle his voice if it comes to that. Of course, having earplugs will be the ideal. So the blonde violinist left with whoever that came with her, careful if anyone else will jump out of no where to attack them while they look for their earplugs and then secure the sleeping Rathmore heir.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Zer0]

- Jade Palace -
" Awashima "​

"Thanks, Lydia." said James, who was surprised and slightly alarmed he was bleeding from the ear. He left Seifer to the others while he mounted Frey and went to his room with Serena to pop a healing potion, Ifrit following him all the while and looking at the surroundings without much interest.

Izanagi and Isanami listened to Lydia, while Bahamut looked grateful. He was released, but still kept under close watch. The emperor and empress gazed at their burning palace, and at everyone who was gravely injured. Because of the dragons' rampage, there were corpses on the ground, including one of Mizutsune's companions. Izanagi shook in anger at the sight. "This deathknight Seifer, will answer for his crimes."

Serena found Seifer just as James saw him. On the ground in an awkward position as though he had fainted. He had no injuries on him, save for a lump on the forehead touching the floor. He would not wake up until later that night.

Meanwhile, Kenren had disappeared, James did not find him, nor did anyone. All of the Jade Palace and Awashima were put on high alert, but it was still difficult because there were still some people under the deathknight's power and they didn't know who to trust. In the end they rounded up everyone who was in suspicion and locked them up until they were back to normal about thirteen hours later, which was seven in the evening.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

 

[Katsuya]

When Serena heard of what Izanagi said of Seifer, she felt mixed emotions about it. While yes, Seifer did cause this whole mess, but he was under Valdanr's influence. In a way, he's just as controlled as the ones who they imprisoned right now because of his Deathknight powers....

That's really weird, her thinking like this. Before she would have just agreed with everyone and just let Seifer pay his crimes and blaming him for everything but sever since she became friends with Hisaya; she couldn't think like that anymore. Not when she understood and saw as a first hand witness that anybody under Valdanr's control is being used against their will, even the deathknights.

So after finding Seifer, poking his cheek with her bow just in case he's playing around (Serena actually whacked him hard on the arm too), the blonde took Seifer's unconscious body to a cell as well that had a bed. She decided to stay nearby in case he woke up and was watching over him cautiously. When he did wake up, she stopped playing her violin and looked at him through the bars, blankly staring at him. "...Feeling better? Are you in control again?"

In the meanwhile, Echo was helping get the struggling beings who want to kill them still into the cells with little issue. She didn't look happy at the moment because of the deaths today in this meaningless fight. Even worse when they couldn't find Kenren. She knew something was up with the Prince and she wondered when did this happen. When did Kenren get affected by Seifer's deathknight power. What time? Where did Seifer drop Renee and Chenglei because she knew that Chenglei had to meet up with the Prince last night and Renee was traveling with Seifer so...

There's also that baby dragon Kenren mentioned before. She wondered where did it go? How is it related to all of this?

Either way, around seven in the evening, Echo was glad that everyone calmed down and back to normal. Enough for her to release them and help with making medicine and bandage wounds. 'I wish Ren was here to help...' She thought, frowning in worry for her friends. She wondered out loud if there was going to be a meeting about this too while Seifer faces Izanagi...

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Lydia quirked an awkward but somewhat reassuring smile at Bahamut. It was no use condemning him for what happened here, especially since Seifer was present so she was glad that Izanagi and Isanami let him go free. Lydia wasn't very much defensive so much as offensive, so she wasn't very sure how she could help alleviate some of the tension of the situation concerning those who had been injured. She stood silently by the emperor and empress as they surveyed the disaster that was their home. Her face developed a concerned expression as Izanagi swore Seifer would be punished for what had happened, wanting to say that it wasn't Seifer in control and that it was Valdanr, but now wasn't the time for that, not when he was trembling with rage so instead her lips were drawn inward and pressed together, they could always come to Seifer's defense once Valdanr was vanquished or at the very least removed from Seifer's soul.

Kenren's disappearance worried Lydia because Chenglei had never returned and because she had wondered why Kenren had seemed so standoffish at breakfast. Knowing that he had wanted to leave and had disappeared during all of the ensuing chaos when they had not left concerned her more so. The confusion caused by those that remained under Valdanr's control got Lydia's mind to thinking again because if they were lying about seeing Kenren, than it was likely he had passed their way. She wondered if they would remember or not once they were released from the dragon's control because she wasn't sure exactly how the power worked but she remembered that she hadn't forgotten anything during the time she had been briefly halted by his power so she guessed they might have to actually be commanded to forget.

She spent the time waiting for them to go back to normal, as well as waiting for Seifer to wake up, researching at Historia's house. She had asked Isanami and Izanagi if they would grant her permission once it was discovered that Historia was missing. Lydia's aim was to find the source of Valdanr's power and create a sealing cuff like the ones that they usually used that would include runes to at the very least dampen his hold. She had been working on better cuffs once she realized that hers no longer worked and thought that a new set would be needed for Seifer once he woke up because it was likely he could cast regardless of them as well. Not only that but because Hisaya's crystal had broken when the exorcism was performed, it was likely that Seifer would not survive and better to keep his soul in the stone despite Valdanr still being there. So new cuffs for Seifer was definitely a must.

Outside of that, Lydia wondered just how he would survive without a heart and without the magic of Valdanr, so trying not to completely wreck the chaotic organization that Historia had chosen for her home, Lydia did the best she could to find materials, anything that could help them save Seifer and make him whole again.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Zer0]

- Jade Palace -
" Night time, Awashima "​

Johnny helped Echo with the dragons that needed her earth spells to contain. After the whole fiasco, the guardians, who apparently haven't seen such displays of power --- it was unheard of for five seemingly ordinary looking kids to take on Mizutsune, her companions, and almost all of the palace guards and then win --- were now more amiable to them and helped with the rounding up too.

The leaders from the other feuding clans who were to visit were shocked at what happened and were wary about staying in the Jade Palace. In the end, most of them let only their ambassadors stay while this whole mess was sorted out and they were sure the place was safe. Security was tighter and soldiers garrisoned in other forts were called back to safeguard the emperor and empress. The people in the floating stone dragon city and the villages on the rice paddies valley below were alarmed as well and seemed to think enemies from the feuding factions had incited a terror attack on the palace. As they didn't want Seifer's existence public, the official statement was that rebels initiated the attack, but they had been caught and dealt with.

"There probably will be." said Johnny to Echo when she wondered out loud. "They'll be deciding Seifer's fate, I reckon, whether he lives or dies." he seemed conflicted of the idea and was thinking about how Renee would feel and how it wasn't Seifer's fault really. "If only there was a way to get Valdanr out of him without him disappearing."

When the bewitched guardians and soldiers came to, Tariel wondered why her hair had been burned. They all immediately spoke of what happened earlier. "I couldn't control myself!" ; "There was this boy in a mask with white hair, he told me to stop and I did. I couldn't say no to him. He told me, once I see purple fireworks I was to capture or if not kill Echo, James, Johnny, Lydia, and Serena. Johnny and Lydia were to be dealt with first."

It seemed they had all been conditioned by Valdanr through Seifer, making them act a certain way once certain conditions had been met. There were some who lost their memories. Some soldiers had seen Kenren and Historia leaving the palace together, the prince with his sword to her neck. There were things missing from their rooms too: Lydia's notes on exorcism and everything Hisaya had told her, Greed's philosopher's stone, Kenren and Chenglei's things, and Renee's sketchpad that contained her notes and drawings on souls.

Meanwhile, underground inside a cell, Seifer came to.

"Serena. Serena, Renee and Chenglei are in danger! They're in some barren wasteland surrounded by enemies. Valdanr took over last night and got Kenren, Chenglei, Rene, and Sirius! I don't know how long they'll be okay, but you have to help them now!"

Katsuya

- Historia's House -
" Bird Statues "​

James accompanied Lydia to Historia's home and helped her with the research. She had so much books, all written by her, and all about the history of the world since the first age. There were many in unknown languages, but the ones that dated ten thousand years ago were in arcane runes.

There were mountains of books of the various historical events that happened during those years and it was going to take a very, very long time to sort them out. Outside, their dragon guide waited and guarded them, having been appointed by Izanagi to take the two wherever they wished to go and to defend them.

Roleplay Skittle

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Having her notes missing, as well as the things to them that were vitally important left Lydia feeling terribly frustrated, angry, and violated. It was alright in a way because they still had Hisaya. They still had the source of most of that knowledge, though it would be a pain to recreate everything they had previously made. It seemed that any doubt they had about Chenglei being gone at such an inopportune time were answered by the fact that his and Kenren's things were gone and it was likely that wherever Kenren was taking Historia was likely where Chenglei and Renee would be. Lydia was so angry she could break something, so instead of breaking anything, she focused on her current task. Recreating a sealing cuff for Seifer and seeing about creating one that would seal his powers as a Death knight so that he could safely be around their group until Valdanr was removed.

Despite being in work mode, Lydia had collected her hammer from her room, earplugs, and her mage armor because she decided she wanted to be prepared from then on and it had been foolish not to be. Not only that, but the fact that for whatever reason, she and Johnny had evidently been a priority for elimination. She wore a steady frown and furrow to her brow as she searched through the tomes, choosing to search the oldest first because she thought they would be the most likely to provide the best information, that and she could read runes, most other languages were a mystery to her.

She had called Sasha out again, once more without using the summon word, though this time she was so anxious and on the verge of a rampage that she held onto James tightly as she called the creature, listening to his heartbeat to calm herself enough that she wouldn't mess up the summon. Once Sasha flew into their realm, she had her assist the dragon guard in keeping a look out while she and James worked.

Zer0

 

[Katsuya]

Echo looked at Johnny and nodded in agreement. "If only..." Maybe Renee knows something that she didn't say to the others yet; didn't even write in her missing notes and drawings in case it brought someone's attention. She tends to do that after all, hide important information to keep safe.

It did annoy her that someone managed to take all of their important items, probably Kenren since he's the only one who's missing at the moment along with Historia. while she understood on some of their items like the notes and such but why Kenren and Chenglei's things? Was there something important that the pair didn't mention to anyone as well?

"...I just hope that everything right themselves again. I really do." Maybe...if only there was a miracle like a link to where Chenglei and Renee are...

Meanwhile down where the cells are, Serena jumped back, blinking rapidly as she listened to Seifer's tone and the words he is using. What the-? "S-Slow down Seifer! Geez!" She couldn't really think for a moment as that's really...

"Okay, start over. How do you know that? Renee and Chenglei being in the barren lands, I mean. I thought you don't remember anything that has to do with your soul and stuff..." Serena remembers hearing about the barren lands that Bahamut was talking about. If what Seifer said is true then that means-...

"Tell me right now Seifer: How do you know that? How did you become free from the dragon this time?" She really doubted Valdanr lost his control like that unless there was a reason behind it. She needed to know first.

"Who in the nine realms is Sirius?" That's another question she needed to ask. Serena's hand slowly went to the vial in her pocket that James gave her before when she left to Historia's place for Hisaya; the one with the bee frozen and ready for her to use when she needs it to contact the Pendragon brother.

***************************************************

Somewhere hidden in the barren lands, Chenglei kept watch of their only exit and his ears open for anything wrong happening other then them being missing. Renee had decided to stay in Seifer's soul room to help him in case he needed it while talking with the others. So the blonde soldier has left to make sure no one finds them. The blonde peeked over to Renee before looking back at the entrance.

It's really weird to see her eyes wide open and dilated as if she couldn't see anymore; that subtle glow was there too. It's not like the reflective glow whenever she's too happy or really angry, it's more like that shimmering glow of her aqua curare spell. Lucky enough it's not bright at all, just looks like it since it's like seeing white thin threads flowing in a sea of orange. There were moments where she would smile for a reason or twitch in place. She didn't make any noise but her mouth would move; probably making a sentence to the inner Seifer.

'Look for the stone on yourself, Sweetheart. Tell them about what it's normally used for; making hearts.' Is one of the sentences he read on her lips and he had to raise an eyebrow. What stone is she talking about, he wondered for a moment. It's been hours now...Just how did Renee maintain staying in there without being exhausted yet? He remembered that she used to sleep after using her magic a few times a day. Now she can stay in there for hours and not falter.

With a quiet sigh, Chenglei can only wait and keep guard while Renee helps Seifer from the inside of his soul.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Zer0]

- Historia's House -
" Bird Statues "​

James was grumpy too about Renee's sketchpad. He often looked at her drawings whenever he missed her, so he and Lydia were grumpy together. As he hugged her, he rubbed her back and kissed the top of her head, then once she was good went off to find something in the cupboards to make tea for himself, Historia probably wouldn't mind.

"You want a cup too, Lydia?" he called from the other room. He recognized some of the dried bottled leaves on the shelf from Renee and Echo's findings and made sure to avoid the large, thin, neon pink pine-cone. If Lydia wanted tea too, he'd bring a tray of the leaves to her so she can pick the one she liked.

Every now and then, as they delved into the mounds and mounds of parchment and books, which was a whole wealth of information never before seen in libraries on the other side of the Storm Wall, James would rub her back, or go to her and ask her if he translated something right. Some rune symbols looked the same and it took a practiced eye to understand the sentence correctly.

On breaks he'd watch Lydia do her spell weaving without disturbing her, reading her notes over her shoulder. Sometimes he'd scribble something and see if he got the same magical effect as her. All the spells and arcane formulas James knew he learned from books. Spell weavers have already made and tested them, and declared them stable. This creating new spells and enchantments was something he still didn't quite get the hang off after all these months, but Lydia took it all by stride. "Lydia, Is it because of your seven years of self-study that got you to trust your instinct and just know what works?" he asked.

It took most of the night but they found what they were looking for: a stone tablet carved by one of the first guardians that talked about the sealing of the Namless One and his servants in their cage.

"Year 8014
Cygwyn, daughter of Adrodia the High Queen of Atani

. . . And so Draco, with the light of the seven kings and queens from the seven kingdoms, shut the jaws of the Devourer and caged him in his own skin. He cast him down the deep abyss, a rift in time sealed away forever by the souls of the dragon born.

The gate was shut and with his own soul he cursed him to eat his tail until he consumed himself and was no more."

The arcane mark of a dragon eating its tail, that was the rune that sealed the Nameless One and his servant's cages.

- Jade Palace -
" Night time, Awashima "​

"I don't have time to explain ---- argh! We slept together by this hot waterfalls and next thing we know our souls were linked. Wherever she is I know the direction. And if I listen deep within myself I can sometimes feel her telling me, but not as clear as when we meet in my dreams. And Sirius is our son --- sort off. He's a baby wolf dragon big as a four story building --- we adopted him, because I cracked his egg when I was hungry. And I'm free! Renee, Chenglei, and I, we fought Valdanr inside me, Renee used her aqua spell." said Seifer. "Can we go save them now?"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena blinked a lot as she's comprehending what Seifer just said. Then she shook her head before running out to find Johnny and Echo. "I'll go tell James and the others! You stay awake okay?!" She yelled at Seifer as she went off searching for the other couple.

The blonde violinist searched and searched wildly for bright red hair or a guy with sheep ears and found them as she crashed into a potted tree plant. The pot itself is fine despite hitting the wall behind it as Serena struggled to free herself from there and jog up to the pair.

"Seifer's awake and he has a baby together with Renee and she's in the barren wastelands; You know, the one where Bahamut was talking about, I think. Anyways he, Renee, and Chenglei fought against Valdanr inside his soul and that's why he's normalish right now and-"

"Stop! Serena, calm down. Relax. What are-" Echo was worried that the crash Serena just had might have damaged her brain somehow.

"Seifer knows where Renee and Chenglei are right now because his soul is connected with Renee's!" Serena exclaimed, looking really flustered. Then she was about to leave, saying something about letting James know about that little tidbit too. Only for Echo to grab her and not let her go yet.

"Wait. Wait, we can't go alone in case anybody else gets attacked."

"But James and Lydia need to know this! We have to let them know like right now."

"Why not at the meeting?"

"Because it might be too late. I-...Augh! Okay, from how Seifer sounded, Chenglei and Renee are in trouble right now somehow. So I rather we at least tell James and Lydia. At least-!" Serena was about to conjure up her violin just to prove how Seifer sounded.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Jade Palace -
" Night time, Awashima "​

" Renee has a baby." repeated Johnny, agape. "But they haven't been together for nine months ---" he shook his head throwing out all the logic, " --- alright, we don't mention the baby to James and Lydia."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Serena looked at him like he was weird before realizing what he said and smacked her face with the palm of her hand. "No, Johnny. It's a baby dragon that Seifer cracked it's egg open. He said he was hungry but yea...pop comes out a baby dragon instead. Apparently it's really big." Echo's ears twitched.

"So they...adopted a baby dragon?"

"Why are we on this subject?! Can we please go and tell James and Lydia now?"

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Zer0]

- Jade Palace -
" Night time, Awashima "​

" Right!" said Johnny. "They're at Historia's house, I'll fly us there. Blimey, Serena, I thought they had a real baby."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Once again Serena looked at Johnny with a raised eyebrow. "Johnny, a baby dragon is still a real baby." Different species but still-! They were caring for a large baby.

The blonde violinist followed Johnny and Echo to outside where he can change and fly them to Historia's place. All the while, her fingers twitched and twiddled with each other as she waited.

Zer0